The Importance of Lighting: Choosing Fixtures for Every Room

Lighting plays a vital role in defining a room’s space and function. But it’s not just about illumination; the importance of lighting extends to the aesthetics, mood, and productivity of a home. Choosing fixtures for every room may seem like a daunting task, but once you harness an understanding of the power of lighting in a room, you’ll be able to select the perfect pieces for every space. Discover the importance of interior lighting, and how to choose the right fixtures for every room.

The Power of Light

Light adds value to your home in various ways. Not only does it illuminate spaces, but the temperature of the light, its placement, and the fixtures that house the light source all have profound impact on the overall feel of your home. There are 3 main types of lighting to consider inside your home:

• Ambient Lighting – provides the main source of light for a room
• Task Lighting – light source dedicated for a specific need or purpose
• Accent Lighting – used for aesthetic appeal rather than functionality

There is also light “temperature”, which is the measure of how warm or cool a light appears. Warm lighting is easier on the eyes, casting a soft glow, while cooler tones more closely resemble daylight. When selecting light bulbs, be sure to check their color temperature and whether or not they are dimmable. Consider these factors along with their intended purpose or location before choosing them for your light fixture.

With these in mind, you’ll be able to choose which type of lighting you’ll need throughout your home. Here are the most common areas where light fixtures are needed, and the best type of fixtures for each purpose.

The Living Room: A Cozy and Inviting Space

The living room is often the central gathering area of a home, where friends and family come together to unwind or reconnect. To create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, you’ll need a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Dimming switches are popular in living areas to adjust the amount of light depending on the time of day or the activity.

• Ambient Lighting: Choose ceiling fixtures like fans with light kits, chandeliers, or flush-mount lights, as these will distribute light evenly and help set the tone for the room.
• Task Lighting: For activities like reading or working on hobbies, add floor or table lamps placed next to seating areas to provide focused light.
• Accent Lighting: Wall sconces, picture lights, or track lighting can draw the eye to artwork, architectural pieces, decorative elements, or focal points.

The Kitchen: Balancing Functionality and Brightness

The kitchen is a hub of activity, requiring ample and varied lighting to accommodate cooking, dining, and socializing. A layered approach with carefully selected light temperatures works best here to accomplish this tall order.

• Ambient Lighting: Recessed lighting or a central ceiling fixture can provide adequate illumination – just make sure that the light temperature and size is bright enough to encompass the entire space.
• Task Lighting: Under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, or over-the-range illumination is necessary to shed light on work areas, dining spaces, and countertops.
• Accent Lighting: Use accent lights to highlight open shelving, a unique backsplash, or china cabinets to add a touch of elegance and visual interest.

The Bedroom: Relaxation and Serenity

Bedroom lighting should promote relaxation and tranquility, while still providing functionality. Warm lights are popular choices for bedrooms in all light fixtures to help accomplish this effect.

• Ambient Lighting: A dimmable central ceiling fixture like a ceiling fan, flush-mount light, or chandelier can provide ample illumination.
• Task Lighting: Bedside table or wall-mounted lamps are perfect for nighttime reading, with adjustable brightness being a plus to control light direction and intensity.
• Accent Lighting: Soft, indirect lighting from lights placed behind the headboard or under the bed can create a serene ambiance – choose motion activated floor lights for added functionality.

The Bathroom: Clarity and Calm

Bathroom lighting needs to be both functional and flattering. Bright, shadow-free light is essential for vanities and mirrored areas, while softer glows above a shower or tub can enhance relaxation.

• Ambient Lighting: Overhead lighting such as recessed lights or a central fixture can illuminate the entire space, but be sure that it is bright enough to reach all corners of the room.
• Task Lighting: Vanity or lights above the mirror are essential for shaving, applying makeup, and grooming – consider mirrors with integrated lightning, or mount lights on the sides or directly above mirrors to minimize shadows.
• Accent Lighting: Depending on the size of the bathroom, accent lighting like small countertop lamps or wall sconces can highlight design features or offer soft illumination overnight.

The Home Office: Productivity and Focus

Home offices require lighting that promotes productivity while reducing eye strain. A combination of natural and artificial lighting works best to achieve this goal.

• Ambient Lighting: A central ceiling fixture that is bright, but not too harsh will create and maintain a comfortable working environment – track lights are also a great option for focusing light in the most needed areas.
• Task Lighting: Desk lamps with adjustable arms or dimmable bulbs are essential for focused tasks like reading, writing, and computer work without causing glare on screens.
• Accent Lighting: Use undermount lighting or small lamps to highlight bookshelves, artwork, or decorative elements to add a touch of personality and warmth to your workspace.

Hallways and Entryways: First Impressions and Safety

These transitional spaces often get overlooked, but proper and adequate lighting is essential for safety and in creating a welcoming atmosphere.

• Ambient Lighting: Flush-mount ceiling lights, recessed lighting, or chandeliers in an entryway provides adequate illumination, while wall sconces or ceiling fixtures in a hallway offer continuous lighting.
• Task Lighting: In larger entryways, table or floor lamps can add extra light and enhance the decor, and motion-sensored lights in a hallway are practical and convenient.
• Accent Lighting: Use small lamps or wall-mounted lights to highlight artwork, plants, or architectural details.

Find Your Fixtures with Furniture Source International

Find the perfect light fixtures for your home at Furniture Source International. From chandeliers and ceiling-mounted fixtures, to wall sconces and accent lighting, we’ll help you find the right sized fixture for any room. Choose from our selection on our large showroom floor, or talk to one of our design experts to create a customized piece for your space.